Eunan 'Busty' Blake to be inducted into Hall of Fame

Eunan ‘Busty' Blake will be the next inductee into the Donegal Sports Stars Hall of Fame when the award ceremoney takes place in Letterkenny at the end of the month.

During a remarkable career spanning over 20 years in senior football, Eunan was widely regarded as one of the best full-backs of his generation during which he played semi-professional for three clubs - Sligo Rovers, Derry City and Finn Harps while he also managed Athlone Town and Finn Harps.

In his time with Sligo Rovers, the Letterkenny man earned a credible six inter-league caps for the League of Ireland representative side and played in a very famous match where they earned a 0-0 draw against an English League select which included the likes of internationals Denis Violett, Peter Swan and Jimmy Armfield.

He spent nine seasons with Derry City in the Irish League winning a league championship medal and was also a member of the first ever Irish team to win a match in Europe when they knocked FK Lynn from Norway out of the European Cup before eventually losing to Anderlecht in the next round. He also reached two cup finals with Derry.

In his two years playing with Finn Harps, they finished runners-up in the League of Ireland but injury deprived him of a cup final appearance the following season.

He was also coach at Athlone Town when they were drawn against the great AC Milan in the European Cup holding them to a draw at home before losing the return leg 3-0 at the San Siro.

Eunan completed his time in football - where it all began - by devoting himself as a manager and coach at Letterkenny Rovers FC both with the senior team and in bringing through young players.

"I am honoured to be named in the Hall of Fame," Blake said yesterday. "I've always had an interest in football and still do. Nowadays I am generally just a spectator, but I do enjoy being involved with the Glencar underage teams and watching Letterkenny Rovers."

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